A new year is already here and it’s a prime time to reflect on 2016 and look forward to 2017. Tons of people make New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of each year, but let’s be honest, most people do not stick with them. Some common goals that people set for themselves are usually to lose weight, get a job, or spend less money on trivial things. These are all great aims to have, but I think that this year our aspirations should be simpler and more meaningful – things that any person can do to better themselves and the world around them.
To start, we should talk to people more – and I don’t mean on the phone. I feel like people do not communicate with each other as much face-to-face today with technology continuing to become more advanced. I think that it is much more interesting to have a conversation with someone else in person than to talk with them on the phone or through social media. Say hi to a stranger that you walk by, meet your friends for lunch, or take a visit to a family member’s house. Make new friends and catch up with old ones – and let’s try it without a screen between.
Another simple New Year’s resolution that you can make is to be more positive. There is so much negativity, violence, and chaos in the world today; we do not have to make it any worse. Smile more and worry less. Try to make the best out of everyday situations, and at the end of the day, there will always be something to be happy about. I’m not even saying that you have to be that super-cheerful person that is never a Negative Nancy, but we can all make an effort to spread a little bit of positivity. It could make a big difference in someone else’s life, and even in your own.
Going along with the common resolution people make each year to be healthier, I am simplifying it to just move. It does not have to be very hard. If you’ve been sitting for a couple of hours at work, get up and take a lap around the office. If you’re studying for class, take a break to stretch and grab a snack. It’s okay to relax and watch some Netflix after a long day, but don’t waste your whole night on it. Believe me, you will feel better if you get up to move every so often throughout the day. It’s an easy way to keep your body active.
New Year’s resolutions do not need to be complex or hard to accomplish. They can be simple ideals that should be brought into everyone’s lives. Let’s make 2017 a fantastic year for ourselves and for the whole world around us.
